San Francisco

Anonymous Person Walks Into Bar, Returns Stolen Cello

An anonymous person walked into a bar in San Francisco and dropped off a stolen cello, directing an employee there to return the instrument to police before taking off, police said Thursday.

The bar employee, who works at an establishment in the 900 block of Grant Street, knew about the stolen $8,500 cello and called the police tip line on Tuesday. Officers were then able to return the 2014 Emilio Stradella cello to its rightful owner: A 16-year-old girl who had it taken by two men on April 11 at the parking garage on O'Farrell Street.

Police don't know who the anonymous person is and didn't describe that person.

And the two suspects have not been found. They were described as a  man and a woman who got into the teen's gar and stole her belongings, police said. The woman took the items, and her partner waited in a getaway car.

Some of the theft was captured on surveillance video.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact Sgt. Alicia Castillo at 415-345-7300. Callers who wish to remain anonymous may call the department's anonymous tip line at 415-575-4444. Tips may also be sent by text message to TIP411 with "SFPD" at the beginning of the message.

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